Council installs concrete 'lego bricks' to stop travellers moving into park

A town in Kent has introduced a series of concrete “lego bricks” to stop travellers moving into the local area.

Ashford Borough Council introduced the new defences after nine motorhomes pitched up on scrubland next to a multimillion-pound development.

The group were moved on from within two days but concerns were raised when a resident overheard them discussing plans to move to nearby Kennington in Kent.

The huge blocks have nobbles on the top to prevent people sitting on them, giving them the stud-like appearance of beloved Lego bricks.

Labour Cllr Diccon Spain said there was "an imminent danger" that travellers would descend on a field in Bockhanger which has since been barricaded with giant Lego-style blocks.

It also comes after around 15 caravans pitched-up at another grassy site less than a mile away before moving to an industrial estate when they were evicted that same day.

Cllr Diccon said: "There was an imminent danger that there would be incursion onto the site and after what happened at Spearpoint the council got onto it quite quickly.”

Following a string of impromptu traveller sites, concrete blocks were rapidly placed around the Bockhanger site.

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Residents took to social media to suggest painting the anti-traveller defences.

When asked if he would support the artistic venture, Cllr Spain said: "Not really as they hopefully won’t be there for too long.

“I’ve been pushing for quite a few weeks regarding child safety on the site - they run after footballs onto the road, so I’ve been pushing for a permanent barrier.

“Rails would be a better solution that protects children rather than just being an impediment to vehicles going onto the field.

“It’s frustrating because we want proactive action rather than reactive.

“If that fencing had been around we wouldn’t have needed the blocks.”

It is not known how long the concrete defence system will remain but plans are underway for new timber fencing.

A council spokesperson said: “We are arranging with a contractor for timber fencing to be installed around the perimeter of the site following the demolition of the community centre.

“This is to ensure the safety of children who may otherwise run out into the road as well as to protect the site from any vehicles parking there.”

On the Elwick Road encampment next to Travelodge in the town centre, the spokeswoman added: “We cannot confirm how they got onto the land, but as a result of the unauthorised encampment the council has laid large concrete blocks across the entrance.

“This should prevent a reoccurrence of the problems we had last week.”